1999 BMW 740I

1 recalls, 9 complaints - 7 TSBs

10E021000 May 27, 2010
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Defect Description
FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
150 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FCP GROTON, LLC

Complaint Statistics

9 total complaints 1 crashes

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
AIR BAGS1
ENGINE1
ENGINE Dec 15, 2015
Incident date: Nov 30, 2015
BMW E38 HAVE A HIGH TENDENCY FOR THE GUIDES FOR THE CAMSHAFT CHAIN (S) TO FRACTURE AND COME APART. THIS LEADS TO PLASTIC PIECES TO CAUSE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, PLASTIC AND METAL SHAVINGS TO BE OBSERVED IN THE LOWER OIL PAN AS WELL AS JUMP IN TIMING FOR THE OWNER WHO HAS TO EITHER PAY$$$ OR JUNK THE C... Read more
AIR BAGS Jan 11, 2012
Incident date: Jan 10, 2012
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK APPROXIMATELY 3AM IN THE MORNING AND I WAS GETTING CLOSE TO MY TURN AND I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND I HIT A POT HOLE.. AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOY ALMOST CAUSE ME TO WRECK MY CAR... *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Nov 16, 2010
Incident date: Oct 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 740I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH SLIGHT PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES MOMENTARILY LOCKED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT THEN BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE B... Read more
TIRES:SIDEWALL Jun 26, 2007
Incident date: Jun 2, 2007
KUHMO TIRES - ZRATED 235/50/18 TIRES ON 1999 BMW 740I - TIRES ONE MONTH OLD. LOW USAGE - SIDEWALL BLOW OUT WITH NO EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO SIDEWALL. DEFECT IN TIRE.*AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Nov 23, 2005
Incident date: Apr 30, 2004
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V005000 CONCERNING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. ALSO, HE EXPER... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 8, 2003
Incident date: Mar 10, 2003
TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE AND ABS LIGHT ARE ALL INDICATING FAILURE. DEALER IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. BRAKES APPEAR TO WORK OK BUT WARNING LIGHTS CAUSE CONCERN. *NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Apr 8, 2003
Incident date: Mar 10, 2003
TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE AND ABS LIGHT ARE ALL INDICATING FAILURE. DEALER IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. BRAKES APPEAR TO WORK OK BUT WARNING LIGHTS CAUSE CONCERN. *NLM
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Feb 19, 2003
THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Feb 13, 2003
CONSUMER HIT A TREE, AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB
Crash

EPA Fuel Economy, 1999 BMW 740I

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
4.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) 15.0 22.0 18.0 Regular $3,400
4.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) 14.0 19.0 16.0 Regular $3,850

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1999 BMW 740I

7 manufacturer communications from 5 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL1
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE1
350000 EQUIPMENT1
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS1
B510819 Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819 Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B170100 Oct 16, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The lower radiator coolant return hose may come in contact with the secondary air system check valve flange gasket when the engine coolant is at operating temperature due to coolant system pressure and expansion of the hose.
B650916 Nov 1, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
B122917 Dec 1, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
B122817 Dec 1, 2017
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
B122817 Dec 1, 2017
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:

BMW 740I - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW 740I across all model years (1993, 2025).

49 Total Recalls
186 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
14 Reported Crashes
7 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

BMW 740I - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2025 3 0 View
2024 5 4 View
2023 9 19 View
2021 2 3 View
2020 2 1 View
2019 1 7 View
2018 0 6 View
2017 0 11 View
2016 0 14 View
2015 1 1 View
2014 1 1 View
2013 1 1 View
2012 1 6 View
2001 4 24 View
2000 2 18 View
1999 (current) 1 9
1998 1 12 View
1997 3 3 View
1996 3 1 View
1995 5 12 View
1994 2 9 View
1993 2 24 View

Other BMW Models

Model Recalls Complaints
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X3 155 2,661 View
330I 122 1,050 View
X6 110 293 View
328I 108 3,743 View
M3 95 550 View
325I 83 1,809 View
Z4 83 1,439 View